Gas Spring Seal Cap with Embedded Conductor for Fluid-Tight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas spring and damper assemblies face challenges in integrating internal sensors and electronic components while maintaining a fluid-tight seal, which limits their broader adoption and performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrical conductor within a seal cap that is securely attached to the end member of a gas spring and damper assembly, allowing for conductive accessibility while maintaining a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors are integrated into the seal cap to enable sensor and electronic component functionality, then the adaptability and versatility of the gas spring and damper assembly are improved, but the fluid-tight sealing reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage paths through the conductor integration points
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the electrical conductor and the seal cap bore. This sealing member (grommet) mediates the connection by providing a fluid-tight barrier while allowing the conductor to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical integration and seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductor is nested within the seal cap structure, with the sealing member nested around the conductor. This nested arrangement allows the conductor to be integrated into the sealed environment without compromising the outer seal, enabling both electrical functionality and fluid-tight integrity
2Device complexity
If the seal cap structure is modified to accommodate electrical conductors and sensors, then the device complexity increases, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to more complex assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal cap assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the seal cap body, the sealing member (grommet), and the electrical conductor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal cap structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical seal and as an electrical interface point. The sealing member simultaneously provides fluid sealing and electrical isolation, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the overall assembly process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the secure and reliable integration of electrical components within gas spring and damper assemblies, enhancing their performance and usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical conductor can be at least partially embedded within the seal cap body such that a substantially fluid tight seal is formed across the electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A gas spring seal cap secured a first end member of a gas spring and damper assembly such that a substantially fluid-tight connection is formed therebetween. Seal cap includes a seal cap body with a first end surface portion and a second end surface portion. An electrical conductor extends through seal cap body that includes a first terminal end conductively accessible from along the first end surface portion and a second terminal end that is conductively accessible from along the second end surface portion of seal cap body. Electrical conductor includes a substantially impermeable portion having a substantially fluid-tight connection with seal cap body. The substantially impermeable portion of electrical conductor substantially inhibits fluid communication across seal cap body through electrical conductor. Gas spring and damper assemblies as well as methods of assembly are also included.